The American Dream: Analysis of Major Characters
"The American Dream: Analysis of Major Characters" examines the relationships and motivations of key figures within the context of the American Dream, highlighting themes of consumerism and familial expectations. Central to the narrative is Mommy, who embodies a controlling consumerist mindset, focused on maintaining her comfort and eliminating challenges, particularly from Grandma, who represents a voice of reason amidst the chaos. Daddy, in contrast, takes on a submissive role, often needing validation from Mommy and lacking initiative, which underscores the themes of dependency and ineptitude in the pursuit of an idealized family life.
Grandma stands out as a sharp-witted character, providing astute observations about Mommy and Daddy's misguided aspirations, which adds a layer of humor and realism to the play. She recognizes the emptiness of their pursuits, particularly in their desire for a "replacement" child, symbolizing the unattainable nature of the American Dream. Mrs. Barker, an external figure, further complicates the dynamics; her uninhibited nature and authority highlight the superficiality of societal expectations. The arrival of the Young Man serves as a representation of the idealized child that Mommy and Daddy yearn for, yet his lack of depth reveals the hollowness of their dreams. Overall, the analysis offers a nuanced exploration of the characters, each reflecting different aspects of the American Dream and its disillusionment.
The American Dream: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edward Albee
First published: 1961
Genre: Play
Locale: United States
Plot: Absurdist
Time: The late twentieth century
Mommy, the head of the household, who dominates the play. She complains about poor service in the department store and, in general, is fixated on her role as a consumer. Mommy's main interest is to remain in control and make life convenient for herself, which means, among other things, getting rid of outspoken and quarrelsome Grandma, who has become a nuisance. Mommy and Daddy apparently have a child who somehow disappointed them. They hope that the visit from Mrs. Barker will result in disposition of Grandma, getting a new child, and restoring their sense of domestic bliss. Mommy does not seem to notice that she often contradicts herself. At the end of the play, she welcomes the appearance of the Young Man, who seems familiar to her, even though she cannot identify him.
Daddy, who acts in most ways as Mommy's subordinate. He is a whiner and complains about how difficult it is to get anything fixed in the apartment. His comments seem infantile, and he doubts himself, so that Mommy has to keep propping him up by praising his masculinity. Like Mommy, he anticipates the arrival of a new adopted child as if it were a product from the department store. Almost never thinking for himself, he is quite willing to have Mommy or Mrs. Barker suggest the right course of action. He is inept, so that Mommy often repeats herself to make sure that he understands her. He even has trouble finding Grandma's bedroom.
Grandma, an old and feeble but still sharp-minded woman. She knows that Mommy and Daddy are trying to get rid of her, and her sarcastic comments about their plans are astute and humorous. Grandma seems much more realistic than Mommy or Daddy and does not use their euphemisms to disguise what she says. Grandma often interrupts conversations among Mommy, Daddy, and Mrs. Barker and interprets what they say. It is Grandma, for example, who reveals that Mommy and Daddy have made a botch of their adoption of a little boy and now want a replacement for him. It is also Grandma who dubs the Young Man who arrives as “the American dream,” for he is meant to function as the fulfillment of Mommy and Daddy's hopes and illusions about perfect family life in America. Grandma, in short, is the only character who knows how to speak her mind.
Mrs. Barker, a visitor to Mommy and Daddy's home who announces herself to be the chairman of Mommy's women's club. This is a surprise to Mommy, who claims to have trouble recognizing her in the artificial light. Mrs. Barker acts like one of the authorities that Mommy and Daddy have been expecting. She is more uninhibited than the other characters; for example, she takes off her dress to be more comfortable. She speaks vaguely about a number of important activities and wonders whether she has come to pick up Grandma's boxes. Eventually, Mrs. Barker learns from Grandma that she has really come to pick up Grandma.
The Young Man, a handsome and athletic man who arrives at Mommy and Daddy's apartment. He is rather dumb and without much emotion. He refers to his identical twin, who is evidently the young child that Mommy and Daddy had previously adopted. With no real motivation of his own, the Young Man seems merely to be there in order to fulfill Mommy and Daddy's desire for the perfect child.